"Kaz! What happened here?" Yasuhara asked worriedly as the NA200 returned and placed the drinks on his desk as usual. The NA200 said nothing as he stepped behind his desk and sat, already reaching for the power button on the computer without response. He paused as Yasuhara's hand slipped over the button, forcing him to stop. "Did someone hurt you?" he insisted sensitively, drawing Mel and Jeanette over to the desk. Naru's shirt and jacket had clearly been tugged around, and his tie was loose and crooked. Usually, he was immaculate and would correct his clothing, but this time he hadn't. Yasuhara wasn't sure what that meant, but the NA200 almost seemed rattled.

"I was accosted by a group of human youths at the coffee shop, but Detective Takigawa was present to assist," the NA200 replied simply, the barest hint of reluctance in his tone. Yasuhara sighed as he gently tugged his jacket, urging him to stand. The NA200 did as urged and stood, his head tilting almost curiously as Yasuhara straightened out his tie and collar before smoothing down the lapels of his black blazer with gentle affection. He was almost like a parent as he fussed over him.

"I'm sorry...I should have gone with you. I knew this was a risk, but..." Yasuhara apologised, hazel eyes filled with misplaced guilt. He'd seen the news and knew he should have been more careful. The NA200 allowed a rare pre-programmed smile, the smallest tug of his lips. He handed Yasuhara his coffee, something he rarely did since Yasuhara would often grab it as soon as it was on the table. The NA200's out-of-place clothing had been more important this time.

"The fault is not yours," the NA200 assured in a slightly warmer tone, giving reassurances to the girls that he was fine and undamaged. Yasuhara could just about believe it as he watched him slowly returning to his usual self. It was probably his imagination, but the NA200 had seemed quite shaken upon returning. He always seemed more robotic when he was scared, or whatever passes for scared in android terms...The behaviour was becoming more common when it came to Mr Royce, so Yasuhara was good at spotting it.

"There are some real scumbags out there! Just because a few androids in Detroit have blown their circuits, they think it's okay to damage other peoples' units? If I get my hands on them..." Jeanette trailed off in a grumble as she ran her fingers through the NA200's hair to neaten it. Mel nodded her agreement as Mr Royce arrived to catch the tail end of their conversation. He was more interested than expected, and Yasuhara didn't miss the way his eyes slowly roved over the NA200. He also noticed the way the NA200's LED span yellow at the attention even though his blue eyes had returned to his computer.

"I don't want to pay to get this thing fixed! Make sure it doesn't go out alone again," Mr Royce snapped gruffly as he took his Americano and returned to his office. Yasuhara agreed readily. It had already become something of a habit for him to walk to the shop with the NA200 anyway. Sometimes they'd even sneak off for lunch there and spend an hour or so talking to Mai. She was really friendly, and definitely into his android co-worker. Alas! Friend-zoned again, and for an android too! Just my luck. The human trio returned to work, keys clacking and pens scratching on occasion. The NA200 worked his way dutifully through six different spreadsheets before receiving an email alert.

"Yasuhara. Your meeting is scheduled for two o'clock," he read, dutifully reminding Yasuhara of the appointment. Yasuhara nodded his agreement distractedly. It was an important meeting. Yasuhara had been looking to get a promotion recently, and conducting this meeting was part of it. Naru had quietly been supporting him. Making sure he kept to his schedule and completed his work on time. He'd even helped him prepare his presentation materials and double checked the numbers.

"I sure could do with a coffee after this..." Yasuhara sighed nervously as he span his pen around his fingers. It was a habit the NA200 had programmed in to help him keep his reflexes calibrated. After spending hours watching him, Yasuhara had finally begged him to teach him how. Yasuhara had been doing it ever since. The girls often joked that if he wore an LED, they wouldn't be able to tell them apart while they worked. They'd both sit and twist their pens, barely even noticing as they stared at their screens.

"I will bring some for you," Naru decided considerately as he got to his feet. It wasn't unusual for him to do coffee runs in the afternoon, especially after meetings. Since he wasn't actually required during the meeting itself, he could go to the shop and have the coffee ready for when Yasuhara came out.

"No, Kaz. We can go together after. I don't want you going out alone after this morning," Yasuhara chided lightly, watching the NA200 sit down obediently. Yasuhara took a few shaky breaths as he gathered his notes, laptop, and USB. He'd head off to the meeting room early to set up and then run through his lines a few times. He was grateful as the NA200 offered to go with him. The NA200 set up the PowerPoint and sat stiffly to watch his human companion practice.

"You are more than prepared," the NA200 assured, noting the way Yasuhara rolled his shirtsleeves up to his elbows and paced a little. He ran through it again, brown eyes constantly shifting to the clock. As other staff began to arrive for the meeting, the NA200 left with a small nod to his co-workers. Yasuhara had finally slipped into the zone. His shaking and awkwardness had lifted, and he was warmly greeting his other colleagues and thanking them for attending. The NA200 returned to the office, where he stood beside his desk quietly. Yasuhara had voiced a desire for coffee. The task had not been set, but...

"Jeanette. Shall I go to the café to purchase some coffee?" the NA200 asked finally as he waited. Jeanette looked over her shoulder in surprise. The NA200 never asked to do things, though as she looked at the clock, she realised he would usually have been told to head out by Yasuhara at this time. She looked over at Mel questioningly, seeing her shrug. It seemed the request hadn't surprised her either.

"Sure, I guess so...but I can't go with you right now. Mel?" Jeanette asked, but Mel also had a lot of work to do. The NA200 was about to offer to go by himself when he noticed a fourth presence in their office. An alert appeared in his vision as he looked at Mr Royce. The pop-up suggested he be prepared to activate his sexual subroutines. He blinked it away for now. It was unlikely Mr Royce would request such a thing right at that moment in view of his co-workers.

"Aren't you supposed to be at the café?" Mr Royce asked gruffly. A scan revealed that he was suffering very slight caffeine withdrawals. The NA200 felt a slight interruption in his vocal processor before he could respond. The small hitch forced him to swallow his words. Possible malfunction detected...Running internal scan...All systems normal. The NA200 blinked curiously. Why had he been unable to speak?

"Yasuhara is giving a presentation, and we're too busy to go out right now. Are you free to go with him, Boss?" Jeanette asked hopefully, watching Mr Royce grumble before agreeing. It wasn't like he had any pressing work at the moment, and he wanted his afternoon coffee. The NA200 followed obediently, finding that he was experiencing a curious sensation in Mr Royce's presence. Mr Royce had never been to the coffee shop before, so he walked alongside the NA200, following his lead. They didn't talk. They rarely talked, even when the NA200 was bent over his polished desk, the hand in his hair forcing his face down against the varnished surface. His LED span yellow. How does it feel? Being a little bitch? He noted a stutter in his thirium pump as he recalled the weight on his back and the abusive thrusting. There was an unpleasant sensation within his internal systems as he recalled his own pleading and moaning, his voice cracking and whining. Possible malfunction detected...Running internal scan...All systems normal.

"Naru!" Mai greeted brightly, barely noticing Mr Royce entering just behind. The NA200 raised his eyebrows in surprise as he registered the voice had come from somewhere other than the counter. Mai was standing on a small round table, one of the taller ones with two stools on either side. She had clearly climbed up there, her shoes laying forgotten on the wooden floor. "I'm glad you're alright! I was worried those men from earlier might have followed you," she added as she looked down. Her hands were raised above her head, where she was trying to fix some shiny foil to the ceiling. Tinsel...A festive decoration used during the Christmas season.

"I returned without incident. Your concern is appreciated," the NA200 replied in his usual soft tone, the gentle timbre drawing Mr Royce's eye. He'd never heard the NA200 speak in such a lifelike tone before. It would have been creepy if it didn't inspire such brightness in Mai. She was vibrant and full of life. She had a petite figure, nowhere near as perfect as an android, but he could easily picture her bent over the desk in his office. His dark eyes drifted over her pale skin. Her cheeks were flushed as she looked down at the NA200. He could barely believe she was giving the thing such attention. Sure, it was attractive, but it was still just a machine.

"You didn't bring Yasu today?" she added curiously as she looked at the older man, who gave her a somewhat odd smile. There was something in it she couldn't quite put her finger on, but it sent a shiver down her spine. She didn't understand it exactly. He was just standing there smiling, but something about this man felt off. She tried to shake the feeling as the NA200 followed her gaze.

"Yasuhara had an important meeting to attend to. This is my superior, Mr Royce," the NA200 replied almost uneasily, allowing Mr Royce to step forward and introduce himself properly. The NA200's LED span yellow as he watched him take one of Mai's small hands. His thumb rubbed the small knuckled of her hand and held on just a little too long to seem normal. Mai was clearly in some discomfort, her vitals spiking at Mr Royce's boldness. After a few moments of pleasant conversation, she revealed she was decorating for Christmas. The NA200 had already looked up the holiday, and understood it to be one of some importance.

"I'll just finish this one and I'll be with you," she added sweetly as she stood on her tiptoes to pin the tinsel up. It was just a little too high for her, even standing on the tallest table. Her brow twitched as she put weight on her injured ankle from earlier. The NA200 stepped a little closer as the table wobbled slightly. Her chances of falling were far higher than he was willing to chance.

"Perhaps it would be wise to-" he began, holding his arms out expectantly as Mai's sore ankle gave way. She let out a small, pained whine as she toppled. There was a concerned yell from Mr Royce as the table swayed and she fell almost gracefully into the NA200's strong arms. He was holding her bridal style, easily preconstructing the way she would fall and how best to catch her. Her body stiffened at first, expecting the painful impact of the wooden floor. She instantly relaxed as she opened her hazel eyes and looked up into warm pools of blue. Her heart rate spiked higher than he'd ever seen it. Sexual interest. Unmistakable sexual interest. "...allow me to assist," the NA200 concluded as he looked at Mai and held her in his arms.

"God, are you alright? That was quite a fall!" Mr Royce interrupted in a concerned voice as the NA200 swiftly deposited her on her feet. Mai slipped into her shoes with a blush, her eyes darting between the two men. She insisted she was fine and hurried behind the counter, graciously accepting the NA200's offer to help with the tinsel. He slipped off his shoes and easily pinned the tinsel up. His blue eyes kept a close eye on Mr Royce, who leaned on the counter to leer at Mai. The NA200 scanned him. Sexual interest. The NA200 blinked as his LED flashed red.